Removal of declination axis and fittings from the cube

A previous news item reported the disassembly of the northern end of the combined axis assembly. The next big job was to remove the declination axis from the cube – an undertaking of similar magnitude, which similarly occupied several Wednesdays and many challenges.

The five major pieces – cube, northern cone, southern cone, bell housing and declination axis – are now resting on their respective pallets, a joy to behold and a sight to gladden the heart of a tired telescope dismantler.